Press present at the City of Manchester Stadium today for the final press conference ahead of Ricky Hatton's May 24 bout with Juan Lazcano were in no doubt that Saturday's clash will live up the massive pre-fight expectations.

There was a real buzz amongst the dozens of journalists, radio and TV crews present as co-promoter Frank Maloney opened proceedings with the announcement that a further 350 seats were available for the record-breaking event that has already sold 55,000 seats.

Maloney, flanked by Hatton, Lazcano and co-promoters Richard Schaeffer of Golden Boy and Ray Hatton or Punch Promotions, captured the mood of the afternoon when he said that Britain was the perfect place to stage world class boxing events.

"Why go to America when it has been proved that you can sell out top class venues like this in Britain," said Maloney in reference to British boxing's surge in popularity.

"Saturday's massive show has shown beyond any doubt that the British public's enthusiasm for top-flight boxing remains and that the huge interest in this bout proves that beyond any doubt."

"I believe this is a lesson to be learned from massive promotions like this," said Maloney, who was joined at the top table by IBF light-welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi, Lovemore N'Dou, Commonwealth Welterweight champ Craig Watson and Matthew Hatton and their connections.

"The press and PR is as important for boxers of today as boxing itself and the two must go hand in hand if you want to be a star," Maloney continued.

Press, television and Radio journalists then had the opportunity to interview, film and photograph the fighters inside and then out in the stadium, where preparations are at an advanced stage, and those present openly complimented Saturday's stunning venue.
 

~For more on Hatton-Lazcano, Malignaggi-N'Dou visit our Exclusive Directory~